Gamers - Amazon Read Free

watching how her brain worked, or that they thought she was holding back. She didn't think she was holding back.
    "So I'm going to tell you this because you may one day be running the system. So I feel I can trust you with this information," said Bracket.
    Gabby nodded slowly, still wondering if all this was a trap somehow.
    "It seems certain elements outside of our society, called the Frags - their name, not ours - have been lurking around your personal files. We can't tell if they've modified anything, well, since we can't check them. But I should warn you."
    Gabby put her hands on her hips. "What do you mean messing with my personals?"
    "The LGIE believe the Frags may have modified your files. Might be trying to influence your views on reality." Bracket paused again, clearly conflicted. "They've requested that I ask you if they can verify your personals. They might be able to get authorization to do so without your permission, but they'd like to not make this a big deal."
    "A big deal? My personal files are a huge deal." Gabby raised her voice louder than she intended, but she couldn't help it. "My whole life is in those files. I don't want anyone snooping around in them just to find out if these so-called Frags have modified something. My virus protection is up to date, thank you."
    Administrator Bracket waited until she had stopped, then smoothed his hand across his desk.
    "Given the nature of the LGIE's request, I'll forgive you for this outburst, this once. Please keep control of your emotions, Ms. DeCorte."
    Gabby dropped her gaze and her shoulders slumped. "I'm sorry, Administrator Bracket."
    "Well, the request is made. And it's clear from your response that you're not willing to give them access freely," said Bracket. "So you can return to your Advanced Game Theory class."
    Gabby had her hand on the doorknob when Bracket spoke again.
    "You might want to have a talk with your parents about this. I'm sure the LGIE will be contacting you soon and you'll want to know what your options are."
    Gabby nodded and left his office. The hallways were dreadfully quiet. She wanted to turn on some mood music but she couldn't muster the thought to activate it. The silence suited her anyway.
    Instead of going to class, she circled the hallways, kiting her bad mood so she wouldn't scream. When at last she'd dropped agro, she pinged Zaela and told her to meet outside school at the FunCar lot.
    Their LifeScores were both above rank after the morning and she needed a sanity break, even if it cost them a few points. Plus the rest of afternoon had few opportunities to score.
    There were opportunities to gain a few points where they were going, too. If they played their cards right. The hard part was going to be convincing Zaela. She hated the Library Museum.

Chapter Three
    Gabby met Zaela at the edge of the school grounds. The school lawn appeared as a perfectly manicured green field with bushes shaped into different animals.
    "Hey Z, your outfit looks totally twinked," said Gabby.
    Zaela stopped and put a hand on one hip, her eyebrow raising as her head tilted. She wore a yellow shirt that glowed like a small sun and a pink ruffled skirt. Black cat figures on the skirt danced around her waist, sometimes disappearing into the folds.
    "What's up, Gabs? You only compliment my clothes when you're going ask me for something. At least you didn't compliment my skin color, then I know you're in deep," said Zaela.
    Gabby smirked. "Well, since you mention it. Your skin is looking particularly bronze today." She paused. "And as always, it goes well with your silky black hair."
    Zaela rolled her eyes. "Next you're going to be asking me to go to the Library Museum."
    "Well, actually." Gabby held out her hands, palms up. "I am. Pretty please? I'll let you pick all the games in the FunCar."
    "But Blair the Chair is so weird."
    Gabby hugged her friend's arm and jumped up and down. "Please...," she whined.
    "Fine. Only because you're my best friend."